Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Artist Statement about "Our Lady of the Anti-Personnel Weapon & Her Stepford Friends" Show


The thought-provoking pieces are collages featuring, according to Artus, three key components: vintage ads, images of the Virgin Mary or a nun, and weapons. “I select ads that show some of the things that we as women were – and still are – told to buy if we want to have a good life or keep a man;” Artus says, “this bra, that book, this lingerie, that product.” On top of the ads, Artus places the images of the Virgin Mary or a nun – selected, according to Artus, for their symbolism of being the good girl or the ideal, well-behaved woman. “The expectation to be pure is part of what I’m exploring. These pieces express so many of my thoughts on religion and on the complexities of being a woman.” The weapons, ironically hand-embroidered in feminine shades of pink and yellow, are the finishing touch that Artus calls “symbols of power”.

“I find my journey through life as a woman one of my greatest curiosities;” says Artus; “in all of my work, I am trying to define what it means to be a woman or an aspect of the female persona and how our experiences are unique from men. My work is often very whimsical and disturbing at the same time.”

2 comments:

  1. Looks pretty cool, hope you do a show in the DFW area.

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  2. I first viewed your art work on a spanish news station! LOL. I immediately became fascinated by it. I know how alot of the hispanic people are disturbed by it, but if I've learned anything in school, it's that artist have a completely different way of seeing things that normal people don't. You are truly gifted for receiving the ability to see beyond what people see. I want to congratulate you on your work. OUTSTANDING!

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